Wireless stethoscope and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A wireless stethoscope is described, having wireless sensors that are enclosed in disposable pads so that the same pads are not used on more than one patient, preventing cross-infection of patients associated with conventional stethoscopes. The present wireless stethoscope also detects pulmonary sounds and cardiac sounds, allowing the user to monitor one or the other without interference. Also described is a method for diagnosing a pulmonary condition using the wireless stethoscope.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/521,278, filed Jul. 24, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/955,938, filed Apr. 18, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,433,812, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/575,772, filed Dec. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,974,515, which is aContinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/827,443, filed Mar. 14,2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,956,305, which claims priority of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/668,191, filed on Jul. 5, 2012. Theentirety of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

This application generally relates to medical devices. In particular,the application relates to wireless stethoscopes.

BACKGROUND

Annually, more than one million people contract infections in a hospitalwhile they are being treated for some other disease or condition. Onecommon cause of transfer of infections between patients is thestethoscope. The stethoscope is used on nearly all patients to monitorcardiac, pulmonary or digestive sounds, but is rarely washed betweenpatients. One study sampling 150 stethoscopes found that 133 of them(88%) harbored Staphylococcus bacteria. Infections, including nosocomialinfections, which are those that are contracted in a medical facility,cost taxpayers over 25 billion dollars annually. While increased washingof stethoscopes or the use of barrier devices, such as plastic sleeves,may reduce nosocomial infections, these options are often not practicalin fast-paced medical environments.

Additionally, conventional stethoscopes cannot separate the sounds fromone bodily function from another and require the practitioner to listenfor pulmonary, cardiac or digestive sounds while the other sounds arealso present, and sometimes louder than the sound of interest. Whilesimple non-invasive cardiac function can be monitored by taking apatient's pulse or measuring blood pressure, simple non-invasivepulmonary function can only be adequately determined by directlylistening to the lungs with a stethoscope. Placing a hand over thepatient's mouth or listening to breath from the mouth and nose do notprovide adequate insight into lung function. Furthermore, cardiac andpulmonary sounds tend to be in the same frequency, so pulmonary sounds,particularly weak pulmonary sounds, can be difficult to discern.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a stethoscope devicethat is useable on a single patient and is disposable in order toprevent transmission of infectious organisms by conventionalstethoscopes and for a device that can filter cardiac, pulmonary anddigestive sounds, allowing the practitioner to listen to, and focus on,only one type of bodily sound.

As the shortage of medical professionals persists, there exists a needfor a stethoscope that will allow for a physician to simultaneouslymonitor multiple patients.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present application relates to a wireless stethoscopecomprising at least one wireless sensor for monitoring at least onebodily sound and a receiver unit, wherein the wireless sensor detectsone or more bodily sounds, converts the one or more bodily sounds intosound signals, and transmits the sound signals wirelessly to thereceiver unit, wherein the receiver receives and processes the soundsignals and transmits the sound signals to a user-end listening anddisplaying device.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a wirelessstethoscope system, comprising at least one wireless sensor formonitoring at least one bodily sound, a receiver unit and a centraltransmitting unit, wherein the wireless sensor transmits the at leastone bodily sound to the receiver unit by wireless transmission, andwherein the receiver unit is interfaced with the central transmittingunit and further transmits the at least one bodily sound to the centraltransmitting unit. In some embodiments, the interface between saidreceiver unit and said central transmitting unit is wired or wireless.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a method formonitoring at least one bodily sound of a patient. The method comprisescontacting a wireless sensor with the body of the patient, wherein thewireless sensor detects and wirelessly transmits a bodily sound;receiving the bodily sound with a receiver unit in the vicinity of thepatient; wherein the receiver unit is an electronic device selected fromthe group consisting of cell phones, smart phones, PDAs and tabletcomputers.

Still another aspect of the present application relates to a method formonitoring at least one bodily sound of a patient. The method comprisescontacting a wireless sensor with the body of the patient, wherein thewireless sensor detects and wirelessly transmits a bodily sound;receiving the bodily sound with a receiver unit in the vicinity of thepatient; wherein the receiver unit transmits the bodily sound to alistening device, wherein the listening device selected from the groupconsisting of cell phones, smart phones, PDAs and tablet computers. Insome embodiments, the central transmitting unit transmits the bodilysound to an additional listening device. In some embodiments, theadditional listening device is selected from the group consisting ofcell phones, smart phones, PDAs and tablet computers. In someembodiments, the wireless sensor amplifies detected bodily sound andfilters amplified sound to reduce background noise. In otherembodiments, the receiver unit filters received bodily sound to reduceback ground noise prior to transmission.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows exemplary placement of disposable sensors over the lungs ofa patient.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary receiver unit of the device along with ahandheld sensor holder unit, further having ports for the programming ofindividual sensors.

FIGS. 3A-E show an exemplary schematic showing components of the deviceand their deployment.

FIG. 4 shows another exemplary receiver unit of the device along with ahandheld sensor holder unit.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary graphic of the monitoring of a bodily sound astransmitted to a remote device.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic for an embodiment of the device that cantransmit directly to a wirelessly linked listening device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes ofexplanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that these specific details are not required topractice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications areprovided only as representative examples. The present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest possible scope consistent with the principles and featuresdisclosed herein.

One aspect of the present application relates to a wireless stethoscopecomprising at least one wireless sensor for monitoring at least onebodily sound and a receiver unit, wherein the wireless sensor detectsone or more bodily sounds, converts the one or more bodily sounds intosound signals, and transmits the sound signals wirelessly to thereceiver unit, wherein the receiver receives and processes the soundsignals and transmits the sound signals to a user-end listening anddisplaying device.

In some embodiments, the wireless sensor is enclosed in or attaches to adisposable pad.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor comprises at least onemicrophone that detects bodily sounds.

In other embodiments, the wireless stethoscope comprises more than onewireless sensor programmed to the receiver unit.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor comprises a rechargeablebattery.

In other embodiments, the bodily sound is selected from the groupconsisting of a pulmonary sound, a cardiac sound, and a digestive sound.

In other embodiments, the receiver unit is an electronic device selectedfrom the group consisting of a cell phone, smart phone, PDA and tabletcomputer. In other embodiments, the electronic device comprises anapplication for monitoring said at least one bodily sound.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor comprises a preamplifier thatamplifies bodily sounds within a specific wavelength range.

In other embodiments, the specific wavelength range corresponds to thewavelength of sounds typical of pulmonary sounds or the wavelength ofsounds typical of cardiac sounds.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor comprises a filter circuitthat removes or reduces bodily noises that are outside a specificwavelength range. In some embodiments, the specific wavelength rangecorresponds to the wavelength of sounds typical of pulmonary sounds orthe wavelength of sounds typical of cardiac sounds. In some embodiments,the filter circuit further removes or reduces background noises selectedfrom the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, and metallicsounds. In some embodiments, the filter circuit is interfaced with apower amplifier that amplifies bodily sounds that are within thespecific wavelength range.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor comprises an analog to digitalconverter interfaced to a microcontroller that digitizes bodily soundsthat are within the specific wavelength range. In some embodiments, thewireless sensor comprises a transmitter unit for wireless transmissionof digitized bodily sounds within a specific wavelength range to thereceiver unit. In some embodiments, the wireless transmission isselected from the group consisting of radio frequency communicationsignals, infrared communication signals, short-wavelength radiotransmissions and IEEE 802.15.1 signals.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor comprises: at least onemicrophone that detects bodily sounds, a preamplifier that amplifiesbodily sounds within a specific wavelength range, a filter that removesor reduces noises that are outside a specific wavelength range, whereinthe filter is interfaced with a power amplifier that amplifies bodilysounds that are within said specific wavelength range, an analog todigital converter interfaced to a microcontroller that digitizes bodilysounds that are within said specific wavelength range, and a transmitterunit for wireless transmission of digitized bodily sounds within aspecific wavelength range to said receiver unit.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a wirelessstethoscope system, comprising at least one wireless sensor formonitoring at least one bodily sound, a receiver unit and a centraltransmitting unit, wherein the wireless sensor transmits the at leastone bodily sound to the receiver unit by wireless transmission, andwherein the receiver unit is interfaced with the central transmittingunit and further transmits the at least one bodily sound to the centraltransmitting unit. In some embodiments, the interface between saidreceiver unit and said central transmitting unit is wired or wireless.

In some embodiments, the central transmitting unit is interfaced withmore than one receiver unit.

In other embodiments, the central transmitting unit is furtherinterfaced with at least one storage device. In some embodiments, the atleast one bodily sound is recorded on the at least one storage device.

In other embodiments, the central transmitting unit is furtherinterfaced with at least one listening device. In some embodiments, theat least one listening device is an electronic device selected from thegroup consisting of a cell phone, smart phone, PDA, tablet computer andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the central transmitting unitor said at least one listening device comprises an application thatallows a practitioner to monitor at least one bodily sound from morethan one patient. In some embodiments, the application analyzes the atleast one bodily sound and provides or suggests a preliminary diagnosisbased upon the at least one bodily sound.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a method formonitoring at least one bodily sound of a patient. The method comprisescontacting a wireless sensor with the body of the patient, wherein thewireless sensor detects and wirelessly transmits a bodily sound;receiving the bodily sound with a receiver unit in the vicinity of thepatient; wherein the receiver unit is an electronic device selected fromthe group consisting of cell phones, smart phones, PDAs and tabletcomputers.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a method formonitoring at least one bodily sound of a patient. The method comprisescontacting a wireless sensor with the body of the patient, wherein thewireless sensor detects and wirelessly transmits a bodily sound;receiving the bodily sound with a receiver unit in the vicinity of thepatient; wherein the receiver unit transmits the bodily sound to alistening device, wherein the listening device selected from the groupconsisting of cell phones, smart phones, PDAs and tablet computers. Insome embodiments, the central transmitting unit transmits the bodilysound to an additional listening device. In some embodiments, theadditional listening device is selected from the group consisting ofcell phones, smart phones, PDAs and tablet computers. In someembodiments, the wireless sensor amplifies detected bodily sound andfilters amplified sound to reduce background noise. In otherembodiments, the receiver unit filters received bodily sound to reduceback ground noise prior to transmission.

The Wireless Sensor

The wireless sensor comprises at least a detection device that iscapable of detecting normal and abnormal bodily sounds, such as normaland abnormal pulmonary sounds, cardiac sounds, digestive sounds, andother bodily sounds. Examples of pulmonary sounds include, but are notlimited to, breathing sounds, bronchial sounds, bronchovesicular soundsand vesicular sounds. Examples of abnormal breathing sounds include, butare not limited to, crackles, wheezes, rales, ronchi, stridor andstertor. Examples of abnormal cardiac sounds include, but are notlimited to murmurs such as systolic murmurs and diastolic murmurs,abnormal sinus rhythm. Examples of digestive sounds include, but are notlimited to, stomach growls, bowel sounds, and borborygmus.

The wireless sensor is capable of picking up a bodily sound, convertingthe sound into an electrical signal, and transmitting the electricalsignal wirelessly to the receiver unit. In some embodiments, thewireless sensor comprises a microphone comprising a transducer thatconverts a sound into an electrical signal, a printed circuit board(PCB) that processes the electrical signal, and a transmitter thattransmits the processed electrical signal wirelessly to the receiverunit. In some embodiments, the wireless sensor simply transmits all thedetected sounds to the receiver unit. In other embodiments, the wirelesssensor filters the detected sounds to reduce background noise and/orunwanted frequencies, and transmits the filtered sounds to the receiverunit. In other embodiments, the wireless sensor amplifies the detectedsounds and transmits the amplified sounds to the receiver unit. In yetother embodiments, the wireless sensor amplifies and filters thedetected sounds and transmits the amplified and filtered sounds to thereceiver unit.

The microphone can be any microphone suitable to be fitted into awireless sensor and to pick up a bodily sound. In some embodiments, themicrophone is optimized to detect pulmonary sounds. In one embodiment,the microphone is an unidirectional microphone that is sensitive tosounds from only one direction. In other embodiments, the microphone isoptimized to detect sound in the frequency range of 20 to 3000 Hz, 20 to2500 Hz, 20 to 2000 Hz, 20 to 1800 Hz, 20 to 1500 Hz, 20 to 1200 Hz, 20to 1000 Hz or 20 to 800 Hz.

In some embodiments, the microphone is a contact microphone that picksup vibrations directly from a solid surface or object, as opposed tosound vibrations carried through air. In one embodiment, the contactmicrophone comprises a magnetic (moving coil) transducer, contact plate,and contact pin. The contact plate is placed directly on to a bodysurface, and the contact pin transfers vibrations to the coil.

In some embodiments, the PCB comprises a sound filter circuit thatremoves or reduces background noise. As used herein, the term“background noise” refers to any noise that is not intended to becaptured and transmitted to the receiver unit for monitoring bodilysounds of interest from the subject. For example, background noisesinclude, but are not limited to, ambient sounds, voices, and metallicsounds. In another embodiment, the sound filter circuit is capable ofdistinguishing cardiac sounds from pulmonary sounds or digestive sounds.In some embodiments, the PCB comprises a filtering circuit forseparating cardiac sounds from pulmonary sounds and/or digestive soundsand transmitting only the pulmonary sounds or the cardiac sounds to thereceiver. In some embodiments, the PCB comprises an amplificationcircuit that amplifies the detected bodily sounds or the filtered soundsfor transmission. In some other embodiments, the PCB comprises anamplification circuit that selective amplifies the cardiac sounds, thepulmonary sounds, or both cardiac sounds and pulmonary sounds. In someembodiments, the sounds detected by the microphone are amplified firstand then filtered to reduce noise and unwanted frequencies. Theamplified and filtered sound signals are then digitized fortransmission.

The transmitter is capable of transmitting signals wirelessly. In oneembodiment, the transmitter transmits signals via radio frequencycommunication (e.g., a FM radio transmitter). In another embodiment, thetransmitter transmits signals via microwave communication. In anotherembodiment, the transmitter transmits signals via infrared (IR)communication. In some embodiments, the transmitter is a short rangetransmitter with a maximum transmission range of 50, 25, 10 or 5 feet inorder to prevent interference between the signals of wirelessstethoscopes used on different patients. In a particular embodiment, themaximum transmission range of the wireless sensor is about 50 feet. Inanother embodiment, the maximum transmission range of the wirelesssensor is about 25 feet. In another embodiment, the maximum transmissionrange of the wireless sensor is about 10 feet. In yet anotherembodiment, the maximum transmission range of the wireless sensor isabout 5 feet.

In some embodiments, the wireless sensor is capable of converting adetected sound into an electronic sound file and transmitting the soundfile instantaneously or within 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 second from the time ofdetection.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor comprise two or moremicrophones that are capable of picking up different types of bodilysounds. In one embodiment, the wireless sensor comprise two microphones,one is optimized for detecting pulmonary sounds and the other one isoptimized for picking up cardiac sounds. In another embodiments, thewireless sensor comprise three microphones, one is optimized fordetecting pulmonary sounds, the other one is optimized for detectingcardiac sounds, while the third one is optimized for detecting digestivesounds.

In some embodiments, the wireless sensor is programmable wirelesslythrough the receiver unit. Examples of the programmable featuresinclude, but are not limited to, optimized sounds detection (e.g.,pulmonary sounds only, cardiac sounds only, digestive sounds only, orcombinations of thereof), transmission range, transmission duration(e.g., 30, 60, 90 or 120 seconds), transmission interval (e.g., every30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes). In other embodiments, the wireless sensortransmits signal with a unique electronic signature or uniquetransmission channel so that multiple wireless sensors may be used on asingle patient (e.g., at different locations on the patient body) or ondifferent patients (e.g., one or two sensors on each patients) with asingle receiver unit. The receiver unit will be able to identify each ofthe multiple sensors attached to the same patient or each of themultiple sensors attached to different patients based on the uniqueelectronic signature or unique transmission channel of each sensor.

In other embodiments, the wireless sensor further comprises a battery.In a further embodiment, the battery is rechargeable. In another furtherembodiment, the battery is non-rechargeable. In some embodiments, thewireless sensor has an on/off switch to preserve battery life when themonitor is not in use. In some embodiments, the on/off switch ismanually toggled on the wireless sensor. In some embodiments, the on/offswitch on the wireless sensor is remotely toggled from a control on thereceiver unit or another device. In some embodiments, the wirelesssensor is equipped with an Intelligent Power Management system andcontains a circuitry that automatically turns off the sensor underpre-set conditions. For example, the on/off switch on the wirelesssensor toggles may be automatic when the receiver unit is turned on oroff. In some embodiments, there is a removable tab interrupting thecurrent flow from the battery prior to use of the wireless sensor andsaid tab is removed when the wireless sensor is first used on a patient.

The wireless sensor of the present application is sized for easyattachment to a body part. The wireless sensor can be of any shape orcolor. In some embodiments, the wireless sensor has a diameter of 5, 4,3, 2 or 1 cm. In some embodiments, the wireless sensor is a light-weightsensor with a weight of less than 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 or 5 grams. Inother embodiments, the wireless sensor is wrapped in a disposable pad.In some embodiments, the disposable pad contains an adhesive to attachthe wireless sensor to the body of a patient. In some embodiments, thewireless sensor is a light-weight, short range sensor that has a weightof less than 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 or 5 grams and a transmission range ofless than 50, 25, 10 or 5 feet.

In some embodiments, the wireless sensor comprises a disposable pad orcover that is discarded after each use. In other embodiments, thewireless sensor is mountable to a handheld sensor holder.

The Receiver Unit

The receiver unit is capable of receiving a wireless signal from one ormore wireless sensors. In some embodiments, the receiver unit receivesradio frequency communication signals (e.g., a FM radio signals) fromthe wireless sensor. In other embodiments, the receiver unit receivesmicrowave or infrared (IR) communication signals from the wirelesssensor. In still other embodiments, the receiver unit receivesshort-wavelength radio transmissions, for example in the ISM band from2400-2480 MHz (IEEE 802.15.1, or Bluetooth).

In some embodiments, the receiver comprises a filter circuit thatreduces the back ground noise in the signals received from the wirelesssensor. In some embodiments, the receiver comprises an amplifyingcircuit and/or an amplifier. In other embodiments, the receivercomprises one or more circuits that filters for, and/or amplifies,desired sounds, such as pulmonary sounds, cardiac sounds, digestivesounds, or combinations thereof.

The receiver can be a single channel receiver or multichannel receiver.In some embodiments, the receiver is a single channel receiver. In otherembodiments, the receiver is a multi-channel receiver that is capable ofreceiving wireless transmissions from a plurality of wireless sensors.In some embodiments, the receiver is a multi-channel receiver that iscapable of programing and/or receiving wireless transmissions from up to2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 wireless sensors. In some embodiments, thereceiver is programmable to designate the multiple channels to two ormore patients in a setting where multiple patients are located in thesame room. In other embodiments, the receiver is programmable toreceiver and/or process only the signals from designated wirelesssensors so that two or more receivers can be placed in the same room orin the proximity of each other without interfering with each other.

In some embodiments, the receiver comprises a speaker such that ahealthcare professional may listen to the bodily sound transmitted fromthe wireless sensor. In a related embodiment, the receiver comprises avolume control with or without a mute function. In other embodiments,the receiver does not contain a speaker but can be connected to aspeaker to play the sound received from the wireless sensor. In otherembodiments, the receiver further comprises a graphic display that iscapable of displaying sound waves or sound profiles. In otherembodiments, the receiver is a smart phone or tablet.

In some embodiments, the receiver comprises a memory or record meansthat is capable of storing sound signals received from the wirelesssensor. In one embodiment, the receiver stores sound signals receivedfrom the last 180, 120, 90, 60, 30 or 10 seconds.

In some embodiments, the receiver is powered by 110 v or 220 v AC power.In other embodiments, the receiver unit is battery powered or comprisesa battery back-up. In another embodiment, the wireless sensor furthercomprises a battery. The battery may be a rechargeable ornon-rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the wireless sensor hasan on/off switch to preserve battery life when the monitor is not inuse.

In certain embodiments, the receiver further comprises a transmittingunit that is capable of further transmitting the sound files to auser-end unit, such as a central monitoring and/or transmitting unitlocated at a convenient location such as a nurse station, or a hand-heldlistening device. The central monitoring/transmitting unit can interfaceor communicate with multiple receiver units that are each dedicated towireless sensors attached to different individual patients. The centralmonitoring/transmitting unit can be interfaced with said multiplereceiver units by wired or wireless means or a combination thereof. Thecentral monitoring/transmitting unit can be further interfaced with acomputer and/or storage device for processing sounds from the individualpatients and/or storing the transmitted bodily sounds from individualpatients into a medical record. The central transmitting unit can alsointerface with the listening device of one or more health practitioners.In some embodiments, the listening device is an electronic device suchas, but not limited to, a cell phone, smart phone, PDA or tabletcomputer. In some embodiments, the central monitoring/transmitting unitis capable of analyzing sounds received from individual patient andproviding analysis results that may facilitate diagnosis of the patient.

In some embodiments, the receiver unit simply transmits all the receivedsounds to the central monitoring/transmitting unit. In otherembodiments, the receiver unit filters the received sounds to reducebackground noise and/or unwanted frequencies, and transmits the filteredsounds to the central monitoring unit. In other embodiments, thereceiver unit amplifies the detected sounds and transmits the amplifiedsounds to the central monitoring/transmitting unit. In yet otherembodiments, the receiver unit amplifies and filters the detected soundsand transmits the amplified and filtered sounds to the centralmonitoring/transmitting unit.

In some embodiments, the receiver unit, the centralmonitoring/transmitting unit and/or the end listening devices (such ascell phone, smart phone, PDA or tablet computer) comprises a dedicatedsoftware application that allows the health practitioner to, forexample, hear the real time bodily sounds transmitted from a patient,delayed bodily sounds transmitted from a patient or previously recordedbodily sounds transmitted from a patient. In some embodiments, thesoftware application provides a visual output representing the realtime, delayed, and/or recorded bodily sounds transmitted from a patient.In some embodiments, the software application allows the healthpractitioner to compare the real time or delayed bodily soundstransmitted from a patient to the delayed or recorded bodily soundstransmitted from said patient. In some embodiments, the softwareapplication processes the bodily sounds transmitted from a patient andprovides the health practitioner with a preliminary diagnosis of thepatient's condition.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a method formonitoring bodily sounds of a patient comprising: programming at leastone wireless sensor of a wireless stethoscope to transmit to a receiverunit, contacting said wireless sensor with the body of the patient, andmonitoring the bodily sounds detected by the wireless sensor. In aparticular embodiment, the bodily sounds are pulmonary sounds. Inanother particular embodiment, the bodily sounds are cardiac sounds. Inanother particular embodiment, the bodily sounds are digestive sounds.

In another particular embodiment, the wireless sensor is comprised in adisposable pad. In a further embodiment, the disposable pad is adheredto a single location on the skin of the patient. In another furtherembodiment, the disposable pad is contained in a handheld sensor holderunit that is movable on the body of the patient.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a wireless sensor. In this embodiment, thewireless sensor is enclosed in a disposable pad that makes directcontact with the skin of the patient. Also in this embodiment, thedisposable pad has an adhesive surface that is applied to the skin ofthe patient. In this case, the disposable pad comprising the wirelesssensor can remain on the same location of patient during the entire timethat monitoring is required, such as during a hospital stay. In otherembodiments, the wireless sensor is mounted on a handheld sensor holderas shown, for example, in FIG. 3D. The handheld handle can be used inthe same manner as a conventional stethoscope, being moved around todifferent locations on the patient's body.

In either case, when there is no longer a need to monitor the bodilysounds of said patient, the disposable pad is discarded. In someembodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 3E, the wireless sensor isremoved from the disposable pad prior to discarding the disposable pad.In some embodiments, the wireless sensor is then sterilized and insertedinto a new disposable pad.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a receiver unit. The receiver unit isplaced in proximity to the patient, in order to receive the signaltransmitted by a wireless sensor being used on the patient. In someembodiments, the receiver unit is located at the bedside of the patient.In other embodiments, the receiver unit is worn by the patient, forexample when the patient is being transported.

In particular embodiments, the receiver unit is associated with a singlewireless sensor being used on a patient. In other embodiments, thereceiver unit is associated with multiple wireless sensors. For example,as shown in FIG. 2, a single receiver unit can monitor wireless sensorsplaced on multiple locations on a patient, such as over each lung on thechest or back, as well as an additional wireless sensor on a handheldsensor holder.

In some embodiments, the receiver unit further comprises a filteringand/or amplifying means for separating cardiac sounds from pulmonarysounds when the wireless sensor transmits both the pulmonary sounds andthe cardiac sounds to the receiver unit.

In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the receiver unitcomprises a speaker for listening to the pulmonary, cardiac or digestivesounds of the patient. In some embodiments, the receiver unit comprises,for example, volume controls, a control for muting the speaker, controlsfor selecting the wireless sensor being monitored by the receiver unit,controls and contacts, such as a dedicated slot, for programming theassociation of a wireless sensor with the receiver unit and a place tostore a handheld sensor holder unit comprising a wireless sensorassociated with the receiver unit.

In some embodiments, the receiver unit comprises a headphone jack sothat the practitioner can more closely/clearly hear the pulmonary,cardiac or digestive noises being monitored. In some embodiments, thereceiver unit can replay a segment of the monitored noises so that thepractitioner can further analyze a noise or event. In a particularembodiment, the receiver unit can replay about the previous 30 secondsof monitored sounds. In another particular embodiment, the receiver unitcan replay about the previous 20 seconds of monitored sounds. In stillanother particular embodiment, the receiver unit can replay about theprevious 15 seconds of monitored sounds. In yet another particularembodiment, the receiver unit can replay about the previous 10 secondsof monitored sounds.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary programming of wireless sensors to beassociated with a particular receive unit. A packaged sterile wirelesssensor contained in a disposable pad (FIG. 3A) is contacted with adedicated slot on a receiver unit (FIG. 3B). The disposable padcomprising a wireless sensor is then removed from the package (FIG. 3C)and placed either in a handheld sensor holder (FIG. 3D) or on thecorresponding location (FIG. 2) on the patient's body, as depicted inFIG. 1. When a wireless sensor is no longer needed on the patient, thewireless sensor can either be discarded with the disposable pad, orremoved from the disposable pad (FIG. 3E), sterilized and/or refurbishedand installed into a new, sterile disposable pad for future reuse.

FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary receiver unit comprising volumecontrols, a control for muting the speaker, controls for selecting thewireless sensor being monitored by the receiver unit, controls forprogramming the association of a wireless sensor with the receiver unitand a place to store a handheld sensor holder unit comprising a wirelesssensor associated with the receiver unit. In some embodiments, theprogramming of wireless sensors to be associated with a particularreceiver unit is done using a computer, or any other suitable inputdevice, associated with the receiver unit.

In some embodiments, the receiver unit is further connected to amonitoring/transmitting unit. In some embodiments, the connection is awireless connection. In some embodiments, the connection is a wired orcabled connection. In some embodiments, the monitoring/transmitting unitis, or is further connected to, a computer.

In some embodiments, the monitoring/transmitting unit stores recordedtransmissions, or portions thereof, in the medical records of thepatient.

In some embodiments, the monitoring/transmitting unit transmits thebodily sounds detected by the wireless sensor to a user-endlistening/displaying device, as shown in FIG. 5, such as, but notlimited to, a cell phone, smart phone, PDA or tablet computer. In someembodiments, the sounds are transmitted to the electronic device in realtime. In other embodiments, the sounds are transmitted to the electronicdevice in a delayed transmission. In still other embodiments, the soundsare transmitted to the electronic device as a recording.

In some embodiments, the receiving unit is an electronic device, asshown in FIG. 5, such as, but not limited to, a cell phone, smart phone,PDA or tablet computer. In some embodiments, the electronic devicecomprises a dedicated software application that allows the healthpractitioner to, for example, hear the real time bodily soundstransmitted from a patient, delayed bodily sounds transmitted from apatient or previously recorded bodily sounds transmitted from a patient.In some embodiments, the application provides a visual outputrepresenting the real time, delayed, and/or recorded bodily soundstransmitted from a patient. In some embodiments, the application allowsthe health practitioner to compare the real time or delayed bodilysounds transmitted from a patient to the delayed or recorded bodilysounds transmitted from said patient. In some embodiments, theapplication processes the bodily sounds transmitted from a patient andprovides the health practitioner with a preliminary diagnosis of thepatient's condition. In other embodiments, the application comprisesfunctionality that allows the health practitioner to listen to, andswitch between the bodily sounds from multiple patients. In someembodiments, the application comprises a database of reference soundsthat allow the health practitioner to listen to, or see a graphicrepresentation of, an exemplary or representative sound associated witha particular condition.

In some embodiments, the monitoring/transmitting unit transmits thepulmonary, cardiac or digestive sounds detected by the wireless sensorto an electronic device in an audible format. In other embodiments, themonitoring/transmitting unit transmits the pulmonary, cardiac ordigestive sounds detected by the wireless sensor to an electronic deviceas a graphic representation, such as shown in FIG. 5. In still otherembodiments, the monitoring/transmitting unit transmits the pulmonary,cardiac or digestive sounds detected by the wireless sensor to anelectronic device both in an audible format and as a graphicrepresentation.

In some embodiments, the receiver unit further comprises software thatis capable of analyzing the received sound signal and provide aprognosis based on the result of the analysis. In other embodiments, thereceiver unit transmits the sound file received from the sensor to acomputer having software that is capable of analyzing the received soundsignal and provide a prognosis based on the result of the analysis.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the device wherein the wireless sensorcomprises at least one microphone, at least one preamplifier for cardiacand/or pulmonary sounds, at least one filter unit for removingbackground noises, at least one power amplifier unit for enhancingauscultation sounds of the desired wavelengths, at least onemicrocontroller unit for processing and enhancing the sounds to betransmitted and at least one transmission unit that sends the desiredsounds wirelessly to a receiver unit. In some embodiments, the wirelesssensor further comprises a battery or other power source for poweringthe microphone(s), preamplifier(s), filter(s), power amplifier(s),microcontroller(s) and transmission unit(s). In some embodiments, themicrophone picks up as many bodily sounds as possible and the filterunit is programmed to allow the further transmission of only the bodilysounds that occur within the range of wavelengths of interest.

In some embodiments, the wireless sensor transmits signal directly to auser-end listening or displaying device. In other embodiments, thewireless sensor transmits signal first to a receiver unit. The receiverunit then transmits the signal to a user-end listening or displayingdevice. In yet other embodiments, the wireless sensor transmits signalfirst to a receiver unit. The receiver unit transmits the signal to amonitoring/transmitting unit, which then transmits the signal to auser-end listening or displaying device. In the above-describedembodiments, the signals may be filtered and/or amplified by thewireless sensor, the receiver unit, the monitoring/transmitting unit, orcombinations thereof.

In the case user-end listening or displaying device, the present devicecomprises wireless connectivity of a monitoring/transmitting unit to abase station. In some embodiments, the wireless connectivity is viaBluetooth. The base station can be a cell phone, smart phone, PDA or atablet computer. In some embodiments, the smart phone or tabletcomprises an installed custom application that will depict the datatransferred through the data acquisition device with the ability toreview and compare previously recorded data from the patient. The sensoror microphone would detect heart, lung or digestive sounds which wouldbe pre-amplified and filtered for noise and unwanted frequencies priorto digitization. In some embodiments, the microphone would be interfacedto a Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) microcontroller to convert theauscultation sounds to a digital form for transmission. Filtered datacould be converted digitally from the microphone by the microcontrollerfor onward transmission through, for example, a Bluetooth Module inSlave Mode for display and storage. In some embodiments, the wirelessmodule is a battery operated system. In some further embodiments, thebattery operated system comprises an intelligent power management (IPM)system. In some embodiments power management is programmable. In someembodiments, the battery is rechargeable.

The present application is further illustrated by the following exampleswhich should not be construed as limiting. The present applicationdescribes a device with multiple components that have been individuallydescribed. It is conceived that these multiple components can beinterchanged with one another in any manner that can be imagined by oneof skill in the art for the operation of the described wirelessstethoscope system. The order in which various components have beendescribed in the present application is not limiting upon the ability tocombine said components with one another. The contents of allreferences, patents and published patent applications cited throughoutthis application, as well as the Figures and Tables, are incorporatedherein by reference.

Example 1: Diagnosis of Pulmonary Condition

A patient presents in the emergency room of a community hospital inpulmonary distress. Disposable tabs comprising wireless sensors areprogrammed with a receiver unit and placed on the patient's chest andback in the corresponding locations.

The pulmonary sounds that have been detected by the wireless sensors areanalyzed by the attending physician. The attending physician consultswith a pulmonary specialist in a remote location and transmits audio andgraphic representations of the patient's pulmonary sounds to thepulmonary specialist. The attending physician and the pulmonaryspecialist determine a proper therapeutic course for the patient.

The above description is for the purpose of teaching the person ofordinary skill in the art how to practice the subject of the presentapplication, and it is not intended to detail all those obviousmodifications and variations of it which will become apparent to theskilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however,that all such obvious modifications and variations be included withinthe scope of the present application, which is defined by the followingembodiments. The embodiments are intended to cover the components andsteps in any sequence which is effective to meet the objectives thereintended, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless stethoscope comprising at least onewireless sensor for monitoring at least one bodily sound and a receiverunit, wherein said wireless sensor detects one or more bodily sounds,converts said one or more bodily sounds into sound signals, andtransmits said sound signals wirelessly to said receiver unit, whereinsaid receiver receives and processes said sound signals and transmitssaid sound signals to a user-end listening and displaying device.
 2. Thewireless stethoscope of claim 1, wherein said wireless sensor isenclosed in or attaches to a disposable pad.
 3. The wireless stethoscopeof claim 1, wherein said wireless sensor comprises at least onemicrophone that detects bodily sounds.
 4. The wireless stethoscope ofclaim 1, wherein said wireless stethoscope comprises more than onewireless sensor programmed to said receiver unit.
 5. The wirelessstethoscope of claim 1, wherein said wireless sensor comprises arechargeable battery.
 6. The wireless stethoscope of claim 1, whereinsaid bodily sound is selected from the group consisting of a pulmonarysound, a cardiac sound, and a digestive sound.
 7. The wirelessstethoscope of claim 1, wherein said receiver unit is an electronicdevice selected from the group consisting of a cell phone, smart phone,PDA and tablet computer.
 8. The wireless stethoscope of claim 7, whereinsaid electronic device comprises an application for monitoring said atleast one bodily sound.
 9. The wireless stethoscope of claim 1, whereinsaid wireless sensor comprises a preamplifier that amplifies bodilysounds within a specific wavelength range.
 10. The wireless stethoscopeof claim 1, wherein said specific wavelength range corresponds to thewavelength of sounds typical of pulmonary sounds or the wavelength ofsounds typical of cardiac sounds.
 11. The wireless stethoscope of claim1, wherein said wireless sensor comprises a filter circuit that removesor reduces bodily noises that are outside a specific wavelength range.12. The wireless stethoscope of claim 11, wherein said specificwavelength range corresponds to the wavelength of sounds typical ofpulmonary sounds or the wavelength of sounds typical of cardiac sounds.13. The wireless stethoscope of claim 11, wherein said filter circuitfurther removes or reduces background noises selected from the groupconsisting of ambient noises, voices and metallic sounds.
 14. Thewireless stethoscope of claim 11, wherein said filter circuit isinterfaced with a power amplifier that amplifies bodily sounds that arewithin said specific wavelength range.
 15. The wireless stethoscope ofclaim 1, wherein said wireless sensor comprises an analog to digitalconverter interfaced to a microcontroller that digitizes bodily soundsthat are within said specific wavelength range.
 16. The wirelessstethoscope of claim 15, wherein said wireless sensor comprises atransmitter unit for wireless transmission of digitized bodily soundswithin a specific wavelength range to said receiver unit.
 17. Thewireless stethoscope of claim 16, wherein said wireless transmission isselected from the group consisting of radio frequency communicationsignals, infrared communication signals, short-wavelength radiotransmissions and IEEE 802.15.1 signals.
 18. The wireless stethoscope ofclaim 1, wherein said wireless sensor comprises: at least one microphonethat detects bodily sounds, a preamplifier that amplifies bodily soundswithin a specific wavelength range, a filter that removes or reducesnoises that are outside a specific wavelength range, wherein the filteris interfaced with a power amplifier that amplifies bodily sounds thatare within said specific wavelength range, an analog to digitalconverter interfaced to a microcontroller that digitizes bodily soundsthat are within said specific wavelength range, and a transmitter unitfor wireless transmission of digitized bodily sounds within a specificwavelength range to said receiver unit.
 19. A wireless stethoscopesystem, comprising at least one wireless sensor for monitoring at leastone bodily sound, a receiver unit and a central transmitting unit,wherein said wireless sensor transmits said at least one bodily sound tosaid receiver unit by wireless transmission, and wherein said receiverunit is interfaced with said central transmitting unit and furthertransmits said at least one bodily sound to said central transmittingunit.
 20. The wireless stethoscope system of claim 19, wherein theinterface between said receiver unit and said central transmitting unitis wired or wireless.
 21. The wireless stethoscope system of claim 19,wherein said central transmitting unit is interfaced with more than onereceiver unit.
 22. The wireless stethoscope system of claim 19, whereinsaid central transmitting unit is further interfaced with at least onestorage device.
 23. The wireless stethoscope system of claim 22, whereinsaid at least one bodily sound is recorded on said at least one storagedevice.
 24. The wireless stethoscope system of claim 19, wherein saidcentral transmitting unit is further interfaced with at least onelistening device.
 25. The wireless stethoscope system of claim 24,wherein said at least one listening device is an electronic deviceselected from the group consisting of a cell phone, smart phone, PDA,tablet computer and combinations thereof.
 26. The wireless stethoscopesystem of claim 24, wherein said central transmitting unit or said atleast one listening device comprises an application that allows apractitioner to monitor at least one bodily sound from more than onepatient.
 27. The wireless stethoscope system of claim 26, wherein saidapplication analyzes said at least one bodily sound and provides orsuggests a preliminary diagnosis based upon said at least one bodilysound.
 28. A method for monitoring at least one bodily sound of apatient, comprising: contacting a wireless sensor with the body of thepatient, wherein the wireless sensor detects and wirelessly transmits abodily sound; receiving said bodily sound with a receiver unit in thevicinity of said patient; wherein said receiver unit is an electronicdevice selected from the group consisting of cell phones, smart phones,PDAs and tablet computers.
 29. A method for monitoring at least onebodily sound of a patient, comprising: contacting a wireless sensor withthe body of said patient, wherein said wireless sensor detects andwirelessly transmits a bodily sound; receiving said bodily sound with areceiver unit in the vicinity of said patient; wherein said receiverunit transmits said bodily sound to a listening device, wherein saidlistening device selected from the group consisting of cell phones,smart phones, PDAs and tablet computers.
 30. The method of claim 29,wherein said central transmitting unit transmits said bodily sound to anadditional listening device.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein saidadditional listening device is selected from the group consisting ofcell phones, smart phones, PDAs and tablet computers.
 32. The method ofclaim 29, wherein said wireless sensor amplifies detected bodily soundand filters amplified sound to reduce background noise.
 33. The methodof claim 29, wherein said receiver unit filters received bodily sound toreduce back ground noise prior to transmission.